Flash flood strikes Jagatkhana Panchayat in Kullu: Vehicles swept away, no loss of life

A sudden flash flood triggered by heavy rains struck Jagatkhana Panchayat in the Nirmand subdivision of Kullu district, adjacent to Rampur town in Shimla district, on Saturday, May 24. The incident occurred when the Satluj river overflowed due to intense rainfall, sweeping away several parked vehicles and causing significant damage. According to SDM Nirmand, Manmohan Singh, around 20 vehicles were partially damaged, with at least five vehicles completely destroyed in the flood. The vehicles were parked along the roadside when the gushing waters suddenly surged through the area and carried some of them as far as the riverbanks.

Fortunately, there were no reports of loss of human life or damage to residential properties. “The heavy rains lashed the region late in the evening, leading to a rapid rise in the water level of the river, which ultimately triggered the flash flood,” SDM Singh said. Local authorities responded promptly to assess the damage and are now working to clear debris and restore normalcy in the affected area.

The administration has urged residents to remain alert during the ongoing pre-monsoon showers and to avoid parking vehicles near vulnerable water channels. This incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of hilly areas like Himachal Pradesh to extreme weather events, which have become more frequent in recent years due to changing climate patterns. A formal report is being prepared, and compensation for vehicle owners is under consideration.

Himachal Tribune